On 4th December 2025, the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan – Pakistan Business and Disability Network (EFP-PBDN), in collaboration with Civil Society Human and Institutional Development Program (CHIP), convened a Consultation Meeting on Disability Inclusion with Industry Representatives at the Mövenpick Hotel Karachi. Organized to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the consultation reaffirmed the shared commitment of employers and development partners to advancing inclusive employment practices in Pakistan.
The session brought together representatives from leading companies, industry bodies, and training institutions to explore employment opportunities for youth with disabilities. The program commenced with a welcome address by EFP-PBDN, emphasizing the business case for disability inclusion and the role of employers in creating equitable workplaces. This was followed by a presentation on the RISEE Project by CHIP, highlighting practical interventions to enhance employability and job placement outcomes for youth with disabilities. CHIP also showcased best practices in skills development and successful job placements of youth with disabilities. The discussion underscored the importance of industry-academia linkages in bridging skills gaps and promoting workforce readiness.
An engaging open dialogue allowed participants to candidly discuss prevailing industry perceptions, recruitment barriers, workplace accessibility concerns, and retention challenges for persons with disabilities. Employers shared practical insights from their own experiences, while collectively identifying areas where policy support, technical guidance, and awareness-building are required.
The consultation concluded with a “Way Forward” session, during which participants agreed on key action points to strengthen collaboration between industry and training partners. Priority actions were identified to promote inclusive hiring and foster sustained engagement on disability inclusion.
The event successfully provided a platform for constructive dialogue, peer learning, and strategic alignment, further strengthening PBDN’s mission to promote decent work opportunities for persons with disabilities across Pakistan.